Proverbs - The Old Testament

¹ Here are some more of Solomon's proverbs, transcribed at the court of Hezekiah king of Judah:

² To conceal a matter, this is the glory of God, to sift it thoroughly, the glory of kings.

³ The heavens for height and the earth for depth, unfathomable, as are the hearts of kings.

⁴ From silver remove the dross and it emerges wholly purified;

⁵ from the king's presence remove the wicked and on uprightness his throne is founded.

⁶ In the presence of the king do not give yourself airs, do not take a place among the great;

⁷ better to be invited, 'Come up here', than be humiliated in the presence of the prince.

⁸ What your eyes have witnessed do not produce too quickly at the trial, for what are you to do at the end should your neighbour confute you?

⁹ Have the quarrel out with your neighbour. but do not disclose another's secret,

¹⁰ for fear your listener put you to shame, and the loss of repute be irremediable.

¹¹ Like apples of gold inlaid with silver is a word that is aptly spoken.

¹² A golden ring, an ornament of finest gold, is a wise rebuke to an attentive ear.

¹³ The coolness of snow in harvest time, such is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him: he revives the soul of his master.

¹⁴ Clouds and wind, but no rain: such is anyone whose promises are princely but never kept.

¹⁵ With patience a judge may be cajoled: a soft tongue breaks bones.

¹⁶ Eat to your satisfaction what honey you may find, but not to excess or you will bring it up again.

¹⁷ Do not set foot too often in your neighbour's house, for fear the neighbour tire of you and come to hate you.

¹⁸ A mace, a sword, a piercing arrow, such is anyone who bears false witness against a companion.

¹⁹ Decaying tooth, lame foot, such is the fickle when trusted in time of trouble:

²⁰ as well take off your coat in bitter weather. You are pouring vinegar on a wound when you sing songs to a sorrowing heart.

²¹ If your enemy is hungry, give him something to eat; if thirsty, something to drink.

²² By this you will be heaping red-hot coals on his head, and Yahweh will reward you.

²³ The north wind begets the rain, and a backbiting tongue, black looks.

²⁴ Better the corner of a roof to live on than a house shared with a quarrelsome woman.

²⁵ Cold water to a thirsty throat; such is good news from a distant land.

²⁶ A churned -- up spring, a fountain fouled; such is the upright person trembling before the wicked.

²⁷ It is not good to eat too much honey, nor to seek for glory on top of glory.

²⁸ An open town, and without defences: such is anyone who lacks self-control.